Peruvian city Huancayo, capital of Junín region, expects to launch the first stage of work on its 150mn-sol (US$53.2mn) Huanca Bus transport system by mid-2012, according to city mayor Dimas Aliaga Castro.

The bus network will be similar to Lima's Metropolitano bus rapid transit (BRT) system, Castro said.

City authorities expect investors to express interest in the public-private initiative within four to six months so the tender process can begin, government news agency Andina reported.

The bus system aims to connect six districts within 22km via Real street, with work including construction of five bypasses along the route. The system will incorporate 100 buses running on natural gas, with capacity to hold 100 passengers.

"Huancayo is one of the most important cities in central Peru, but its mass transport problem infringes on the city's dynamic economy. People waste a lot of time crossing the city, so the Huanca Bus aims to change this situation," said Castro.